Health and health care among male-to-female transgender persons who are HIV positive

Characterizing Disparities in the HIV Care Continuum among Transgender and Cisgender Medicare Beneficiaries

Background

In the US, transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals, particularly trans feminine individuals, experience a disproportionately high burden of HIV relative to their cisgender counterparts. While engagement in the HIV Care Continuum (e.g., HIV care visits, antiretroviral (ART) prescribed, ART adherence) is essential to reduce viral load, HIV transmission, and related morbidity, the extent to which TGD people engage in one or more steps of the HIV Care Continuum at similar levels as cisgender people is understudied on a national level and by gendered subgroups.

Methods and Findings

We used Medicare Fee-for-Service claims data from 2009 to 2017 to identify TGD (trans feminine and non-binary (TFN), trans masculine and non-binary (TMN), unclassified gender) and cisgender (male, female) beneficiaries with HIV. Using a retrospective cross-sectional design, we explored within- and between-gender group differences in the predicted probability (PP) of engaging in one or more steps of the HIV Care Continuum. TGD individuals had a higher predicted probability of every HIV Care Continuum outcome compared to cisgender individuals [HIV Care Visits: TGD PP=0.22, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI)=0.22-0.24; cisgender PP=0.21, 95% CI=0.21-0.22); Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening (TGD PP=0.12, 95% CI=0.11-0.12; cisgender PP=0.09, 95% CI=0.09-0.10); ART Prescribed (TGD PP=0.61, 95% CI=0.59-0.63; cisgender PP=0.52, 95% CI=0.52-0.54); and ART Persistence or adherence (90% persistence: TGD PP=0.27, 95% CI=0.25-0.28; 95% persistence: TGD PP=0.13, 95% CI=0.12-0.14; 90% persistence: cisgender PP=0.23, 95% CI=0.22-0.23; 95% persistence: cisgender PP=0.11, 95% CI=0.11-0.12)]. Notably, TFN individuals had the highest probability of every outcome (HIV Care Visits PP =0.25, 95% CI=0.24-0.27; STI Screening PP =0.22, 95% CI=0.21-0.24; ART Prescribed PP=0.71, 95% CI=0.69-0.74; 90% ART Persistence PP=0.30, 95% CI=0.28-0.32; 95% ART Persistence PP=0.15, 95% CI=0.14-0.16) and TMN people or cisgender females had the lowest probability of every outcome (HIV Care Visits: TMN PP =0.18, 95% CI=0.14-0.22; STI Screening: Cisgender Female PP =0.11, 95% CI=0.11-0.12; ART Receipt: Cisgender Female PP=0.40, 95% CI=0.39-0.42; 90% ART Persistence: TMN PP=0.15, 95% CI=0.11-0.20; 95% ART Persistence: TMN PP=0.07, 95% CI=0.04-0.10). The main limitation of this research is that TGD and cisgender beneficiaries were included based on their observed care, whereas individuals who did not access relevant care through Fee-for-Service Medicare at any point during the study period were not included. Thus, our findings may not be generalizable to all TGD and cisgender individuals with HIV, including those with Medicare Advantage or other types of insurance.

Conclusions

Although TGD beneficiaries living with HIV had superior engagement in the HIV Care Continuum than cisgender individuals, findings highlight notable disparities in engagement for TMN individuals and cisgender females, and engagement was still low for all Medicare beneficiaries, independent of gender. Interventions are needed to reduce barriers to HIV care engagement for all Medicare beneficiaries to improve treatment outcomes and reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality in the US.

Retention among transgender women treated with dolutegravir associated with tenofovir/lamivudine or emtricitabine in Argentina: TransViiV study

In Argentina, transgender women (TGW) have a high HIV prevalence (34%). However, this population shows lower levels of adherence, retention in HIV care and viral suppression than cisgender patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the transition to dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimens to reduce adverse events and improve adherence and retention. The purpose of this study was to determine retention, adherence and viral suppression in naïve TGW starting a DTG-based first-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) and to identify clinical and psychosocial factors associated with retention. We designed a prospective, open-label, single-arm trial among ART-naïve HIV positive TGW (Clinical Trial Number: NCT03033836). Participants were followed at weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48, in a trans-affirmative HIV care service that included peer navigators, between December, 2015 and May, 2019. Retention was defined as the proportion of TGW retained at week 48 and adherence was self-reported. Viral suppression at <50 copies/mL was evaluated using snapshot algorithm and as per protocol analysis. Of 75 TGW screened, 61 were enrolled. At baseline, median age was 28 y/o., HIV-1-RNA (pVL) 46,908 copies/mL and CD4+ T-cell count 383 cells/mm3. At week 48, 77% were retained and 72% had viral suppression (97% per protocol). The regimen was well tolerated and participants reported high adherence (about 95%). Eleven of the fourteen TGW who discontinued or were lost to follow-up had undetectable pVL at their last visit. Older age was associated with better retention. DTG-based treatment delivered by a trans-competent team in a trans-affirmative service was safe and well tolerated by TGW and associated with high retention, high adherence and high viral suppression at 48 weeks among those being retained.

Clinical and Behavioral Outcomes for Transgender Women Engaged in HIV Care: Comparisons to Cisgender Men and Women in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS) Cohort

Describe health of transgender women (TW) with HIV vs. cisgender men and women (CM, CW) in a U.S. HIV care cohort. Data were from Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS), 2005-2022. TW were identified using clinical data/identity measures. PWH (n = 1285) were included in analyses (275 TW, 547 CM, 463 CW). Cross-sectional multivariable analyses compared HIV outcomes/co-morbidities between TW/CM and TW/CW, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. TW had poorer adherence (> 90% adherent; aOR 0.57; 95%CI 0.38, 0.87) and were more likely to miss ≥ 3 visits in the past year than CM (aOR 1.50, 95%CI 1.06, 2.10); indicated more anxiety compared to both CM and CW (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.02); hepatitis C infection (p = 0.03) and past-year/lifetime substance treatment (p = 0.004/p = 0.001) compared to CM; and substance use relative to CW. TW with HIV differed in HIV clinical outcomes and co-morbidities from CM and CW.

Non-uptake of HIV testing among trans men and trans women: cross-sectional study of client records from 2017 to 2019 in a community-based transgender health center in Metro Manila, Philippines

BACKGROUND

Transgender individuals are considered at high risk of contracting HIV infection. Integrating HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services into current transgender health programs is necessary to increase its uptake. Our study aimed to describe the characteristics of trans men (TM) and trans women (TW) who accessed HTC services in a community-based transgender health center in Metro Manila, Philippines, and to examine the relationship between gender identity and their non-uptake of HIV testing.  METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of TM and TW seeking care from 2017 to 2019. Medical records of clients were reviewed to ascertain their age, gender identity, year and frequency of clinic visits, lifestyle factors, and non-uptake of HIV testing. The effect of gender identity on the non-uptake of HIV testing was estimated using a generalized linear model with Poisson distribution, log link function, and a robust variance, adjusted for confounding variables.  RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-five clients were included in the study, of which about 82.3% (432/525) of the clients declined the HTC services being offered. In addition, the prevalence of non-uptake of HIV testing was 48% higher (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio: 1.48; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.31-1.67) among TM compared to TW. Approximately 3.7% (1/27) and 10.6% (7/66) of the TM and TW, respectively, who accessed the HTC services were reactive. Moreover, most reactive clients were on treatment 87.5% (7/8); three were already virally suppressed, four were on ART but not yet virally suppressed, and one TW client was lost to follow up.

CONCLUSION

The non-uptake of HTC service of TM and TW is high. HIV program implementers should strategize solutions to reach this vulnerable population for increased and better HTC service uptake and linkage to care.

Health Insurance Prevalence Among Gender Minority People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

Gender minority (GM) (people whose gender does not align with the sex assigned at birth) people have historically been insured at lower rates than the general population. The purpose of this review is to (1) assess the prevalence of health insurance among GM adults in the United States, (2) examine prevalence by gender, and (3) examine trends in prevalence before and after implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Methods

Published articles from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases before April 26th, 2019, were included. This review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019133627). Analysis was guided by a random-effects model to obtain a meta-prevalence estimate for all GM people and stratified by gender subgroup. Heterogeneity was assessed using a Q-test and I 2 measure.

Results

Of 55 included articles, a random pooled estimate showed that 75% GM people were insured (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.79; p<0.001). Subgroup analysis by gender determined 70% of transgender women (95% CI: 0.64-0.76; p<0.001; I 2=97.16%) and 80% of transgender men (95% CI: 0.77-0.83; p=0.01; I 2=54.51%) were insured. Too few studies provided health insurance prevalence data for gender-expansive participants (GM people who do not identify as solely man or woman) to conduct analysis.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of health insurance among GM people found in this review is considerably lower than the general population. Standardized collection of gender across research and health care will improve identification of vulnerable individuals who experience this barrier to preventative and acute care services.

An Intervention by and for Transgender Women Living With HIV: Study Protocol for a Two-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Efficacy of “Healthy Divas” to Improve HIV Care Outcomes

Introduction: Transgender women (assigned “male” at birth but who do not identify as male) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and experience unique barriers and facilitators to HIV care engagement. In formative work, we identified culturally specific and modifiable barriers to HIV treatment engagement among transgender women living with HIV (TWH), including prioritizing transition-related healthcare over HIV treatment, avoiding HIV care settings due to gender-related and HIV stigma, concerns about potential drug interactions with hormones, and inadequate social support. Grounded in the investigators' Models of Gender Affirmation and Health Care Empowerment, we developed the Healthy Divas intervention to optimize engagement in HIV care among TWH at risk for treatment failure and consequential morbidity, mortality, and onward transmission of HIV.

Methods and Analysis: We conducted a 2-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the intervention's efficacy in Los Angeles and San Francisco to improve engagement in care among TWH (N = 278). The primary outcome was virologic control indicated by undetectable HIV-1 level (undetectability = < 20 copies/mL), at baseline and follow-up assessment for 12 months at 3-month intervals.

Ethics and Dissemination: This study was approved by University of California, San Francisco Institutional Review Board (15-17910) and Western Institutional Review Board (20181370). Participants provided informed consent before enrolment in the study. We are committed to collaboration with National Institutes of Health officials, other researchers, and health and social services communities for rapid dissemination of data and sharing of materials. The results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and scientific presentations. We will make our results available to researchers interested in transgender health to avoid unintentional duplication of research, as well as to others in health and social services communities, including HIV clinics, LGBT community-based organizations, and AIDS service organizations.

Clinical Trial Registration:Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03081559.

Consideration of Human Immunodeficiency Status in Patients Seeking Facial Feminization Surgery

ABSTRACT

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) with its proven safety and efficacy has become a mainstay surgical approach for those desiring gender-specific perceived feminine facial aesthetics. To date, specific characteristics of patients seeking FFS have been limited, with no studies investigating the role of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on FFS outcomes. The potential clinical implications of HIV and more specifically HIV-associated lipodystrophy, which can cause facial lipoatrophy, require further investigation. Given the importance of midface projection in feminizing the face, the authors aimed to investigate any associations HIV or Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy may have on outcomes, including clinical consequences of facial lipoatrophy. The authors performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria referred to the senior author (EDR) for FFS between 2017 and 2020. Patients were grouped based on HIV status and demographics, history, and outcomes were assessed. Seventy-seven patients were included, with 28 patients (36.4%) having a diagnosis of HIV. A total of 25 (32.5%) and 23 (29.9%) patients underwent malar fat grafting and cheek implants, respectively. No significant difference was found between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients when looking at the use of malar fat grafting, cheek implants, age, or complication rates. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the largest cohort of HIV status assessment of FFS patients to date. Future studies, particularly on the long-term outcomes, are warranted, as is continued information sharing among providers and centers performing FFS, in order to continue advancing the literature and subsequently patient care.

"I've Learned to Value Myself More": Piloting an Adapted Multilevel Intervention for Transgender Women Sex Workers Living with HIV in the Dominican Republic

Purpose: Transgender (trans) women living with HIV experience suboptimal care and treatment outcomes. We adapted a multilevel intervention to improve HIV outcomes and overall well-being among trans women sex workers living with HIV. The intervention, called Abriendo Puertas (AP; Opening Doors), included: individual counseling, peer navigation, and community mobilization "open houses." The purpose of this article is to describe acceptability and initial outcomes of the adapted AP pilot and explore intervention experiences to inform recommendations for improvement. Methods: After an iterative adaptation process, we recruited 30 trans women sex workers living with HIV to participate in the pilot. We conducted baseline and endline (12-months) surveys to compare HIV care and treatment outcomes and qualitative interviews to assess intervention experiences with a subsample (n=20). Results: Intervention retention was high, with 86.7% of participants (n=26/30) completing both baseline and endline surveys. At endline, there was a significant increase in current anti-retroviral therapy (ART) use (70.0% to 84.6%, p<0.03) and positive, but not significant, trends in missed care appointments in the past 6 months (34.5% to 20.0%, p<0.39) and not having missed any ART doses in the past 4 days (85.7% to 95.5%, p<0.50). Intervention acceptability was high across all components: individual counseling (96.1%), peer navigation (80.8%), and open houses (84.6%). Participants emphasized that trust and being treated with respect allowed them to relax and improve their self-esteem. Limited trust and cohesion among trans women, however, limited more extensive engagement with peer navigation and community mobilization components. Conclusion: Future efforts to strengthen the AP intervention with trans women sex workers should continue to address emotional, instrumental, and informational support needs related to living with HIV through individual counseling, peer navigation, and open houses while also enhancing group-level activities to build trust and generate a collective commitment to promote the well-being of the community.

Receipt of evidence-based alcohol-related care in a national sample of transgender patients with unhealthy alcohol use: Overall and relative to non-transgender patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Evidence-based alcohol-related care-brief intervention for all patients with unhealthy alcohol use and specialty addictions treatment and/or pharmacotherapy for patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD)-should be routinely offered. Transgender persons may be particularly in need of alcohol-related care, given common experiences of social and economic hardship that may compound the adverse effects of unhealthy alcohol use. We examined receipt of alcohol-related care among transgender patients compared to non-transgender patients in a large national sample of Veterans Health Administration (VA) outpatients with unhealthy alcohol use.

METHODS

We extracted electronic health record data for patients from all VA facilities who had an outpatient visit 10/1/09-7/31/17 and a documented positive screen for unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 5). We identified transgender patients with a validated approach using transgender-related diagnostic codes. We fit modified Poisson models, adjusted for demographics and comorbidities, to estimate the average predicted prevalence of brief intervention (documented 0-14 days following most recent positive screening), specialty addictions treatment for AUD (documented 0-365 days following screening), and filled prescriptions for medications to treat AUD (documented 0-365 days following screening) for transgender patients, and compared to that of non-transgender patients.

RESULTS

Among transgender Veterans with unhealthy alcohol use (N = 1392), the adjusted prevalence of receiving brief intervention was 75.4% (95% CI 72.2-78.5), specialty addictions treatment for AUD was 15.7% (95% CI 13.7-17.7), and any AUD pharmacotherapy was 19.0% (95% CI 17.1-20.8). Receipt of brief intervention did not differ for transgender relative to non-transgender patients (Prevalence Ratio [PR] 1.01, 95% CI 0.98-1.04, p = 0.574). However, transgender patients were more likely to receive specialty addictions treatment (PR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12-1.37, p < 0.001) and pharmacotherapy (PR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.28, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest the majority of transgender VHA patients with unhealthy alcohol use receive brief intervention, though a quarter still do not. Nonetheless, rates of specialty addictions treatment and pharmacotherapy are low overall, although transgender patients may be receiving this care at greater rates than non-transgender patients. Further research is needed to investigate these findings and to increase receipt of evidence-based care overall.

A Novel Adaptation of Peer Health Navigation and Contingency Management for Advancement Along the HIV Care Continuum Among Transgender Women of Color

Transgender women, particularly racial/ethnic minority transgender women, evidence disproportionately high rates of untreated HIV infection and disproportionately low rates of HIV viral suppression. The Alexis Project was a combined peer health navigation (PHN) and contingency management (CM) intervention that targeted HIV milestones associated with advancement along the HIV care continuum. From February 2014 through August 2016, 139 transgender women of color (TWOC) enrolled and received unlimited PHN sessions and an escalating CM rewards schedule for confirmed achievement of both behavioral (e.g., HIV care visits) and biomedical (e.g., viral load reductions and achieved/sustained viral suppression) HIV milestones. Results demonstrated that increased attendance to PHN sessions was associated with significant achievement of both behavioral (coef. range 0.12-0.38) and biomedical (coef. = 0.10) HIV milestones (all p ≤ 0.01); 85% were linked to HIV care, and 83% who enrolled detectable and achieved the minimum 1 log viral load reduction advanced to full viral suppression. The combined PHN and CM intervention successfully promoted advancement along the HIV Care Continuum, with particularly robust effects for behavioral HIV milestones.

Drug Use is Associated with Delayed Advancement Along the HIV Care Continuum Among Transgender Women of Color

Transgender women are impacted by elevated rates of HIV infection and drug use. This study investigated effects of drug use on HIV care outcomes among transgender women of color living with HIV who enrolled in a combined peer health navigation (PHN) and contingency management intervention (N = 129). At baseline, 71.3% reported any drug use in the past 6 months. Linkage to HIV care was delayed for users of any stimulant compared to non-users of stimulants, and for methamphetamine users compared to non-users of methamphetamine. Any drug use, relative to no drug use, was associated with fewer HIV care visits (IRR 0.50, 95% CI [0.30, 0.85]), but did not significantly impact ART adherence, or attaining an undetectable viral load. PHN sessions were positively related to the number of HIV care visits (IRR 1.20, 95% CI [1.07, 1.34]), especially for users of any stimulant and for methamphetamine users, to ART adherence (OR 2.54, 95% CI [1.67, 3.86]), and to virological suppression (OR 7.57, 95% CI [1.64, 34.94]). These findings demonstrate the value of assessing drug use as a possible barrier to HIV care.

Patterns of Alcohol Use Among Transgender Patients Receiving Care at the Veterans Health Administration: Overall and Relative to Nontransgender Patients

OBJECTIVE

Alcohol use is understudied among transgender persons--persons whose sex differs from their gender identity. We compare patterns of alcohol use between Veterans Health Administration (VA) transgender and nontransgender outpatients.

METHOD

National VA electronic health record data were used to identify all patients' last documented Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) screen (October 1, 2009-July 31, 2017). Transgender patients were identified using diagnostic codes. Logistic regression models estimated four past-year primary outcomes: (a) alcohol use (AUDIT-C > 0); (b) unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 5); (c) high-risk alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 8); and (d) heavy episodic drinking (HED; ≥6 drinks on ≥1 occasion). Two secondary diagnostic-based outcomes, alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-specific conditions, were also examined.

RESULTS

Among 8,872,793 patients, 8,619 (0.10%) were transgender. For transgender patients, unadjusted prevalence estimates were as follows: 52.8% for any alcohol use, 6.6% unhealthy alcohol use, 2.8% high-risk use, 10.4% HED, 8.6% AUD, and 1.3% alcohol-specific conditions. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, transgender patients had lower odds of patient-reported alcohol use but higher odds of alcohol-related diagnoses compared with nontransgender patients. Differences in alcohol-related diagnoses were attenuated after adjustment for comorbid conditions and utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest study of patterns of alcohol use among transgender persons and among the first to directly compare patterns to nontransgender persons. Findings suggest nuanced associations with patterns of alcohol use and provide a base for further disparities research to explore alcohol use within the diverse transgender community. Research with self-reported measures of gender identity and sex-at-birth and structured assessment of alcohol use and disorders is needed.

Drug-drug Interactions Among Thai Transgender Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Undergoing Feminizing Hormone Therapy and Antiretroviral Therapy: The iFACT Study

BACKGROUND

Drug-drug interactions between feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are a major concern among transgender women (TGW), which may lead to suboptimal ART adherence and inappropriate FHT dosage. To evaluate potential drug-drug interactions between FHT and ART, we performed intensive measurements of the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of blood tenofovir (TFV), efavirenz (EFV), and estradiol (E2).

METHODS

Twenty TGW with newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were enrolled. FHT (E2 valerate 2 mg/d and cyproterone acetate 25 mg/d) was prescribed at baseline until week 5 and restarted at week 8. ART (TFV disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/EFV at 300/200/600 mg) was initiated at week 3. The E2 PK parameters were measured intensively at weeks 3 (without ART) and 5 (with ART), and TFV and EFV PK parameters were measured intensively at weeks 5 (with FHT) and 8 (without FHT).

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) age and body mass index were 25.5 (22.5-31.0) years and 20.6 (19.3-23.1) kg/m2, respectively. The differences in geometric mean ratios between weeks 3 and 5 were as follows for E2 area under the curve, maximum concentration, and concentration at 24 hours (C24), respectively: 0.72 (90% confidence interval, .64-.81; P < .001), 0.81 (.72-.92; P = .006), and 0.64 (.50-.83; P = .004). The differences in geometric mean ratios between weeks 5 and 8 were as follows for TFV AUC, TFV C24, and EFV C24: 0.86 (90% confidence interval, .80-.93; P = .002), 0.83 (.75-.93; P = .006), and 0.91 (.85-.97; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Among HIV-positive TGW, E2 PK parameters were significantly lower in the presence of TFV disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/EFV, and some TFV and EFV PK parameters were lower in the presence of FHT. Further studies should determine whether these reductions are clinically significant and whether they occur with other FHT or ART regimens.

Characterizing the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care Continuum Among Transgender Women and Cisgender Women and Men in Clinical Care: A Retrospective Time-series Analysis

BACKGROUND

Prior studies suggest that transgender women (TW) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are less likely to be virally suppressed than cisgender women (CW) and cisgender men (CM). However, prior data are limited by small sample sizes and cross-sectional designs. We sought to characterize the HIV care continuum comparing TW to CW and CM in the United States and Canada.

METHODS

We analyzed annual HIV care continuum outcomes by gender status from January 2001 through December 2015 among adults (aged ≥18 years) in 15 clinical cohorts. Outcomes were retention in care and viral suppression.

RESULTS

The study population included TW (n = 396), CW (n = 14 094), and CM (n = 101 667). TW had lower proportions retained in care than CW and CM (P < .01). Estimates of retention in care were consistently lower in TW, with little change over time within each group. TW and CW had similar proportions virally suppressed over time (TW, 36% in 2001 and 80% in 2015; CW, 35% in 2001 and 83% in 2015) and were lower than CM (41% in 2001 and 87% in 2015). These differences did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for age, race, HIV risk group, and cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

TW experience challenges with retention in HIV care. However, TW who are engaged in care achieve viral suppression that is comparable to that of CW and CM of similar age, race, and HIV risk group. Further research is needed to understand care engagement disparities.

Patterns of Alcohol Use Among Transgender Patients Receiving Care at the Veterans Health Administration: Overall and Relative to Nontransgender Patients

OBJECTIVE

Alcohol use is understudied among transgender persons--persons whose sex differs from their gender identity. We compare patterns of alcohol use between Veterans Health Administration (VA) transgender and nontransgender outpatients.

METHOD

National VA electronic health record data were used to identify all patients' last documented Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) screen (October 1, 2009-July 31, 2017). Transgender patients were identified using diagnostic codes. Logistic regression models estimated four past-year primary outcomes: (a) alcohol use (AUDIT-C > 0); (b) unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 5); (c) high-risk alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 8); and (d) heavy episodic drinking (HED; ≥6 drinks on ≥1 occasion). Two secondary diagnostic-based outcomes, alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-specific conditions, were also examined.

RESULTS

Among 8,872,793 patients, 8,619 (0.10%) were transgender. For transgender patients, unadjusted prevalence estimates were as follows: 52.8% for any alcohol use, 6.6% unhealthy alcohol use, 2.8% high-risk use, 10.4% HED, 8.6% AUD, and 1.3% alcohol-specific conditions. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, transgender patients had lower odds of patient-reported alcohol use but higher odds of alcohol-related diagnoses compared with nontransgender patients. Differences in alcohol-related diagnoses were attenuated after adjustment for comorbid conditions and utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest study of patterns of alcohol use among transgender persons and among the first to directly compare patterns to nontransgender persons. Findings suggest nuanced associations with patterns of alcohol use and provide a base for further disparities research to explore alcohol use within the diverse transgender community. Research with self-reported measures of gender identity and sex-at-birth and structured assessment of alcohol use and disorders is needed.

HIV prevalence and HIV clinical outcomes of transgender and gender-diverse people in England

OBJECTIVES

We provide the first estimate of HIV prevalence among trans and gender-diverse people living in England and compare outcomes of people living with HIV according to gender identity.

METHODS

We analysed a comprehensive national HIV cohort and a nationally representative self-reported survey of people accessing HIV care in England (Positive Voices). Gender identity was recorded using a two-step question co-designed with community members and civil society. Responses were validated by clinic follow-up and/or self-report. Population estimates were obtained from national government offices.

RESULTS

In 2017, HIV prevalence among trans and gender-diverse people was estimated at 0.46-4.78 per 1000, compared with 1.7 (95% credible interval: 1.6-1.7) in the general population. Of 94 885 people living with diagnosed HIV in England, 178 (0.19%) identified as trans or gender-diverse. Compared with cisgender people, trans and gender-diverse people were more likely to be London residents (57% vs. 43%), younger (median age 42 vs. 46 years), of white ethnicity (61% vs. 52%), under psychiatric care (11% vs. 4%), to report problems with self-care (37% vs. 13%), and to have been refused or delayed healthcare (23% vs. 11%). Antiretroviral uptake and viral suppression were high in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV prevalence among trans and gender-diverse people living in England is relatively low compared with international estimates. Furthermore, no inequalities were observed with regard to HIV care. Nevertheless, trans and gender-diverse people with HIV report poorer mental health and higher levels of discrimination compared with cisgender people.

Work2Prevent, an Employment Intervention Program as HIV Prevention for Young Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Youth of Color (Phase 3): Protocol for a Single-Arm Community-Based Trial to Assess Feasibility and Acceptability in a Real-World Setting

BACKGROUND

In the United States, young cisgender men who have sex with men (YMSM), young transgender women (YTW), and gender nonconforming (GNC) youth face elevated rates of HIV infection. However, racial and ethnic disparities in adolescent HIV infection cannot be attributed to individual-level factors alone and are situated within larger social and structural contexts that marginalize and predispose sexual and gender minority youth of color to HIV. Addressing broader ecological factors that drive transmission requires interventions that focus on the distal drivers of HIV infection, including violence exposure, housing, food insecurity, educational attainment, and employment. Given the ways that economic instability may make YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth of color vulnerable to HIV exposure, this study focuses on employment as an HIV prevention intervention. More specifically, the intervention, called Work2Prevent (W2P), targets economic stability through job readiness and employment as a means of preventing behaviors and factors associated with adolescent and young adult HIV, such as transactional sex work and homelessness. The intervention was adapted from iFOUR, an evidence-based employment program for HIV-positive adults in phase 1 of this study, and pilot tested in a university-based setting in phase 2.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe the protocol for the community-based test phase of W2P. The purpose of this phase was to pilot test a tailored, theoretically informed employment intervention program among YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth of color within a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community setting.

METHODS

The employment intervention was pilot tested using a single-arm pretest-posttest trial design implemented among a sample of vulnerable YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth of color using services within a community-based LGBTQ center. Assessments will examine intervention feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary estimates of efficacy.

RESULTS

Phase 3 of W2P research activities began in May 2019 and was completed in December 2019. Overall, 41 participants were enrolled in the community-based pilot.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will assess intervention feasibility and acceptability in the target populations and determine preliminary efficacy of the intervention to increase employment and reduce vulnerability to HIV when implemented in a community-based setting serving LGBTQ youth of color. Testing the intervention in a community setting is an opportunity to evaluate how recruitment, retention, and other outcomes are impacted by delivery in a venue akin to where this intervention could eventually be used by nonresearchers. If W2P demonstrates feasibility and acceptability, a larger multisite trial implemented in multiple community settings serving YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth of color is planned.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03313310; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03313310.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/18051.

An Employment Intervention Program (Work2Prevent) for Young Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Youth of Color (Phase 1): Protocol for Determining Essential Intervention Components Using Qualitative Interviews and Focus Groups

BACKGROUND

HIV continues to have a disparate impact on young cisgender men who have sex with men (YMSM), young trans women (YTW), and gender-nonconforming (GNC) youth who are assigned male at birth. Outcomes are generally worse among youth of color. Experiences of discrimination and marginalization often limit educational attainment and may even more directly limit access to gainful employment. Though seemingly distal, these experiences influence young people's proximity to HIV risk by limiting their access to health care and potentially moving them toward sex work as a means of income as well as increased substance use. Work2Prevent (W2P) aims to achieve economic stability through employment as a structural-level intervention for preventing adolescent and young adult HIV infection. The study will pilot-test an effective, theoretically driven employment program (increased individual income and independence [iFOUR]), for HIV-positive adults, and adapt it to the needs of black and Latinx YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth aged 16 to 24 years who are vulnerable to HIV exposure.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aimed to describe the protocol for the exploratory phase of W2P. The purpose of this phase was to determine the essential components needed for a structural-level employment intervention aimed at increasing job-seeking self-efficacy and career readiness among black and Latinx YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth aged 16 to 24 years.

METHODS

The exploratory phase of the W2P study consisted of in-depth interviews and focus groups with members of the target community as well as brief interviews with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ)-inclusive employers. The study team will conduct in-depth interviews with up to 12 YMSM and 12 YTW and GNC youth, up to 10 focus groups with a maximum of 40 YMSM and 40 YTW and GNC youth, and up to 40 brief interviews with LGBTQ-inclusive employers. Participants will be recruited through a community-based recruiter, passive recruitment in community spaces and on social media, and active recruitment by research staff in community spaces serving LGBTQ youth.

RESULTS

In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 participants, and 7 focus groups were conducted with 46 participants in total. In addition, 19 brief interviews with LGBTQ-inclusive employers were conducted. The analysis of the data is underway.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary findings from the formative phase of the study will be used to inform the tailoring and refinement of the iFOUR adult-based intervention into the youth-focused W2P intervention curriculum. Perspectives from YMSM, YTW, GNC youth, and LGBTQ-inclusive employers offer a multidimensional view of the barriers and facilitators to adolescent and young adult LGBTQ employment. This information is critical to the development of a culturally appropriate and relevant youth-focused intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03313310; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03313310.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/16384.

An Employment Intervention Program (Work2Prevent) for Young Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Youth of Color (Phase 2): Protocol for a Single-Arm Mixed Methods Pilot Test to Assess Feasibility and Acceptability

BACKGROUND

Young cisgender men who have sex with men (YMSM), young transgender women (YTW), and gender nonconforming (GNC) youth of color face substantial economic and health disparities. In particular, HIV risk and infection among these groups remains a significant public health issue. In 2017, 17% of all new HIV diagnoses were attributed to male-to-male sexual contact among adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 24 years. However, such disparities cannot be attributed to individual-level factors alone but rather are situated within larger social and structural contexts that marginalize and predispose YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth of color to increased HIV exposure. Addressing social and structural risk factors requires intervention on distal drivers of HIV risk, including employment and economic stability. The Work2Prevent (W2P) study aims to target economic stability through job readiness and employment as a structural-level intervention for preventing adolescent and young adult HIV among black and Latinx YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth. This study seeks to assess intervention feasibility and acceptability in the target populations and determine preliminary efficacy of the intervention to increase employment and reduce sexual risk behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the research is to pilot-test a tailored, theoretically informed employment intervention program among YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth of color. This intervention was adapted from Increased Individual Income and Independence, an existing evidence-based employment program for HIV-positive adults during phase 1 of the W2P study.

METHODS

The employment intervention will be pilot-tested among vulnerable YMSM, YTW, and GNC youth of color in a single-arm pre-post trial to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary estimates of efficacy.

RESULTS

Research activities began in March 2018 and were completed in November 2019. Overall, 5 participants were enrolled in the pretest and 51 participants were enrolled in the pilot.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that address the social and structural drivers of HIV exposure and infection are sorely needed in order to successfully bend the curve in the adolescent and young adult HIV epidemic. Employment as prevention has the potential to be a scalable intervention that can be deployed among this group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03313310; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03313310.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/16401.

HIV-related outcome disparities between transgender women living with HIV and cisgender people living with HIV served by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

In the United States, approximately one-fifth of transgender women are living with HIV-nearly one-half of Black/African American (Black) transgender women are living with HIV. Limited data are available on HIV-related clinical indicators among transgender women. This is because of a lack of robust transgender data collection and research, especially within demographic subgroups. The objective of this study was to examine retention in care and viral suppression among transgender women accessing the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP)-supported HIV care, compared with cisgender women and cisgender men.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We assessed the association between gender (cisgender or transgender) and (1) retention in care and (2) viral suppression using 2016 client-level RWHAP Services Report data. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models adjusting for confounding by age, race, health care coverage, housing, and poverty level, overall and stratified by race/ethnicity, were used to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In 2016, the RWHAP served 6,534 transgender women (79.8% retained in care, 79.0% virally suppressed), 143,173 cisgender women (83.7% retained in care, 84.0% virally suppressed), and 382,591 cisgender men (81.0% retained in care, 85.9% virally suppressed). Black transgender women were less likely to be retained in care than Black cisgender women (aPR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.97, p < 0.001). Black transgender women were also less likely to reach viral suppression than Black cisgender women (aPR: 0.55, 95%I CI: 0.41-0.73, p < 0.001) and Black cisgender men (aPR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.42-0.73, p < 0.001). A limitation of the study is that RWHAP data are collected for administrative, not research, purposes, and clinical outcome measures, including retention and viral suppression, are only reported to the RWHAP for the approximately 60% of RWHAP clients engaged in RWHAP-supported outpatient medical care.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we observed disparities in HIV clinical outcomes among Black transgender women. These results fill an important gap in national HIV data about transgender people with HIV. Reducing barriers to HIV medical care for transgender women is critical to decrease disparities among this population.

Engagement and Retention in HIV Care for Transgender Women: Perspectives of Medical and Social Service Providers in New York City

Transgender women are less likely to engage in HIV care and adhere to antiretroviral medications than other at-risk populations. Health care and social service providers, in addition to consumers, have experiences that can elucidate barriers and facilitators to care and inform interventions. Guided by the social/ecological model, we conducted interviews with 19 providers working with transgender women. At the health systems level, perceived barriers included lack of care accessibility and security, providers' misunderstanding of the transgender community, and lack of cultural competency of information systems and staff. At the community level, barriers included HIV stigma. At the family level, barriers included rejection and housing instability. At the individual level, barriers included conflicts between HIV- and transgender care, medication side effects, competing priorities, mental health issues and substance abuse, and low health literacy. Facilitators included provider competence in transgender health, improved access to care, and patient empowerment. Findings indicate the need for an integrated care model.

Barriers and Enablers to HIV Care Among Waria (Transgender Women) in Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

Transgender women (waria) in Indonesia have high rates of HIV and experience barriers accessing HIV services. This qualitative research explored barriers and facilitators to HIV care among waria in Indonesia. Between 2015 and 2016, 42 participants were involved in focus group discussions and in-depth interviews across three urban sites in Indonesia to examine participants' experiences and views on HIV prevention, testing, treatment initiation, and treatment adherence. Data were analyzed thematically. Barriers to accessing HIV care services included perceptions of health and HIV treatment, confidentiality and stigma concerns, and poor access to health insurance. Facilitators to HIV care included recognition of health and perceived susceptibility, perceptions of treatment benefits and consequences of non-adherence, access to social support, and patient-friendly services. Research findings highlight the importance of improving HIV treatment literacy, safeguarding community responses to addressing HIV vulnerability, addressing confidentiality and stigma issues, ensuring services are transgender-friendly, and increasing health insurance coverage.

The Perioperative Care of the Transgender Patient

An estimated 25 million people identify as transgender worldwide, approximately 1 million of whom reside in the United States. The increasing visibility and acceptance of transgender people makes it likely that they will present in general surgical settings; therefore, perioperative health care providers must develop the knowledge and skills requisite for the safe management of transgender patients in the perioperative setting. Extant guidelines, such as those published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and the University of California San Francisco Center of Excellence for Transgender Health, serve as critical resources to those caring for transgender patients; however, they do not address their unique perioperative needs. It is essential that anesthesia providers develop the knowledge and skills necessary for safely managing transgender patients in the perioperative setting. This review provides an overview of relevant terminology, the imperative for the provision of culturally sensitive care, and guidelines for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of the transgender patient.

Technology use to facilitate health care among young adult transgender women living with HIV

Little is known about how young adult transgender women living with HIV use digital technologies to facilitate their health care. This study examined the use of digital technologies to search for health information and support HIV care among young adult transgender women living with HIV (N = 130) in Los Angeles County, California. About half used the Internet "all the time" to search for transgender-specific resources (TSR; 53.8%) and for sexual health information (SHI; 51.5%). Less than half (39.2%) received digital HIV care reminders and, of those taking ART medication (n = 63), 36.5% received digital medication reminders. Internet information search was associated with Hispanic/Latina ethnicity (TSR: OR = 0.23, 95% CI [0.09, 0.58]; SHI: OR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.12, 0.73]) and higher (≥ $500) past-month income (TSR: OR = 2.67, 95% CI [1.13, 6.34]; SHI: OR = 2.67, 95% CI [1.14, 6.26]); receiving digital medication reminders with post-secondary educational attainment (OR = 5.70, 95% CI [1.04, 31.19]) and higher income (OR = 6.73, 95% CI [1.52, 29.67]). Receiving analog, but not digital, HIV care reminders was associated with engagement in HIV care (OR = 2.37, 95% CI [1.13, 5.00]) and ART uptake (OR = 2.18, 95% CI [1.06, 4.48]. Digital technology use was common for health-related searches but not for supporting HIV care.

The HIV Care Cascade Among Transgender Women with HIV in Canada: A Mixed-Methods Study

Scant research has explored the engagement of transgender (trans) women living with HIV (WLWH) in the HIV care cascade, particularly in universal health care settings like Canada. This convergent parallel, mixed-methods study drew on cross-sectional quantitative data from 50 trans WLWH in the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS) and qualitative semistructured interview data from a subsample of 11 participants. Descriptive analyses were used to describe proportions of trans WLWH at five steps of the HIV care cascade and bivariate analyses to determine associations between hypothesized barriers/facilitators and HIV care cascade outcomes. Framework analysis was used to describe barriers and facilitators to HIV care engagement. Quantitative and qualitative data were then compared and contrasted. While use of purposive sampling, including recruitment through AIDS Service Organizations and HIV clinics, may have led to oversampling of trans WLWH who already had access to care, gaps were still seen in antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes (current ART use: 78%; ≥95% adherence among those currently taking ART: 67%). The number of years living with HIV was positively associated with HIV care cascade engagement. Factors associated with lower engagement included: higher health-related quality of life, depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, barriers to access to care, transphobia, HIV-related stigma, and housing insecurity. Qualitative findings converged and expanded on how physical health, and social and structural marginalization, influence trans WLWH's engagement in HIV care. Qualitative findings elaborated on the importance of ART-related factors in impeding or facilitating engagement, including concerns about feminizing hormone-ART drug-drug interactions. Mixed-methods findings reveal how trans WLWH experience barriers common to other people living with HIV, and also experience unique barriers as a result of trans and HIV experiences.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Transgender Persons

Worldwide, transgender populations are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Pervasive stigma and discrimination impact social and economic determinants of health, which perpetuate HIV disparities among transgender individuals. This article reviews the prevalence of HIV infection among transgender populations and presents psychosocial, behavioral, and individual level factors that contribute to HIV acquisition. The authors provide practical recommendations regarding a patient-centered approach to HIV/sexually transmitted infection risk assessment. The role of preexposure prophylaxis utilization in preventing the transmission of HIV is discussed as well as the current data on HIV treatment outcomes for transgender people living with HIV.

HIV-related care for transgender people: A systematic review of studies from around the world

RATIONALE

Transgender people face unique challenges, such as structural, interpersonal, and individual vulnerabilities to chronic diseases. Stigma and prejudice may hamper their access to health care and prevent their inclusion in the labor market, as well as cause exposition to violence. Labor market exclusion contributes to engagement in survival sex work, which increases HIV infection vulnerability. HIV continuum of care combines HIV prevention (including antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and HIV testing) with linkage to care (that is, initiating, maintaining and monitoring antiretroviral therapy). Currently, many studies evaluate the access barriers and facilitators to HIV care for transgender people.

OBJECTIVE

The present systematic review aimed to provide a clear summary of the current literature on HIV-related care for transgender men, transgender women and gender diverse people.

METHOD

Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed quantitative studies, published through April 04, 2018, concerning transgender women, transgender men and gender diverse people and HIV-related care, which was any intervention aiming to prevent, treat or alleviate the impact of HIV on these populations.

RESULTS

From 6,585 references, 62 articles were included: Three articles had results on PEP, 18 on PrEP, 29 on HIV-testing, 17 on access to health care, and 13 on adherence to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the first systematic review evaluating HIV-related care for transgender people. Data collection is still scarce regarding transgender men and gender diverse people. Worldwide, testing for HIV infection does not necessarily enable access to the HIV continuum of care for transgender populations or even guarantee awareness of HIV seropositivity.

Transcendendo: A Cohort Study of HIV-Infected and Uninfected Transgender Women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Purpose: Worldwide, the burden of adverse health conditions is substantial among travestis and transgender women (trans women). Transcendendo, the first trans-specific cohort in a low- or middle-income country, is an open cohort established in August 2015 to longitudinally evaluate the health aspects of trans women aged ≥18 years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods: Study visits occur on an annual basis. Data on sociodemographics, behavioral, gender transition, affirmation procedures, hormone use, discrimination, violence, clinical and mental health, HIV prevention, and care (for those HIV-infected) are collected. Physical examination, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests are performed.

Results: As of July 2017, 322 trans women were enrolled in the cohort with a median age of 31.5 years (interquartile range 25.7–39.5), of whom 174 (54%) were HIV-infected. The Transcendendo baseline information reinforces the scenario of marginalization and deprivation surrounding trans women. Most participants had low income (62.0% were living with below US$ 10.00/day), showed a very high engagement in sex work (78.6%), and reported increased occurrence of sexual (46.3%) and physical (54.0%) violence. Pre-exposure peophylaxis (PReP) was used by 18.8% of the HIV-uninfected trans women, only through research participation. Positive screening for depression (57.8%) and problematic use of tobacco (56.6%), cannabis (28.9%), cocaine (23.8%), and alcohol (21.5%) were high. Almost all participants (94.8%) reported hormone use at some point, mostly without medical supervision (78.7%).

Conclusion: Our results describe a context of exclusion experienced by trans women, exposing vulnerabilities of this population in a middle-income country, with poor access to trans-specific care, HIV prevention and care, and mental health care. Addressing transgender experiences and needs can help the development of strategies to diminish stigma, improve health care environment, guide future research on trans morbidities, substance use, and trans-specific interventions to support health-related recommendations. Ultimately, it contributes to close the gaps concerning transgender health and reinforces that trans care cannot be disentangled from the social environment that surrounds trans women.

Best Practices in Transgender Health: A Clinician's Guide

Providing culturally competent and medically knowledgeable care to the transgender community is increasingly falling within the realms of practice for primary care providers. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of best practices as they relate to transgender care. This article is by no means a comprehensive guide, but rather a starting point for clinicians as they provide high-quality care to their transgender patients.

Risk behaviors and HIV care continuum outcomes among criminal justice-involved HIV-infected transgender women and cisgender men: Data from the Seek, Test, Treat, and Retain Harmonization Initiative

Background

Transgender persons are highly victimized, marginalized, disproportionately experience incarceration, and have alarmingly increased rates of HIV infection compared to cis-gender persons. Few studies have examined the HIV care continuum outcomes among transgender women (TW), particularly TW who are involved with the criminal justice (CJ) system.

Methods

To improve our understanding of HIV care continuum outcomes and risk behaviors among HIV-infected TW who are involved with the CJ system, we analyzed data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse-supported Seek, Test, Treat, Retain (STTR) Data Harmonization Initiative. Baseline data were pooled and analyzed from three U.S. STTR studies to examine HIV risk and care continuum indicators among CJ-involved HIV-infected TW compared to cisgender men (CM), matched on age (within 5 years) and study at a ratio of 1:5.

Results

Eighty-eight TW and 440 CM were included in the study. Among matched participants, TW were more likely to report crack and cocaine use compared to CM (40%,16% respectively, p<0.001); both TW and CM reported high rates of condomless sex (58%, 64%, respectively); TW were more likely than CM to have more than one sexual partner (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.6, 5.2; p<0.001) and have engaged in exchange sex (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.3, 6.6; p<0.001). There were no significant differences between TW and CM in the percentage currently taking ART (52%, 49%, respectively), the mean percent adherence to ART (77% for both groups), and the proportion who achieved viral suppression (61%, 58%, respectively).

Conclusions

HIV-infected CJ-involved TW and CM had similar use of ART and viral suppression but TW were more likely than matched CM to engage in exchange sex, have multiple sexual partners, and use crack/cocaine. TW and CM had similarly high rates of condomless sex and use of other drugs. TW require tailored risk reduction interventions, however both CJ-involved TW and CM require focused attention to reduce HIV risk and improve HIV continuum of care outcomes.

Differences in Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Health Care Among Transgender and Nontransgender Adults: Findings From the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

OBJECTIVE

Little is known regarding patterns of alcohol use and alcohol-related care among transgender adults. This study examined alcohol use and alcohol-related care across transgender status in a probability sample of U.S. adults.

METHOD

We conducted secondary analyses of the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, focusing on adults in eight states that administered both an Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention module and a Gender Identity module (n = 58,381). Measurements included transgender status, sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol consumption (any alcohol use, risky drinking, heavy episodic drinking, and any unhealthy alcohol use), and alcohol-related care (alcohol screening during healthcare visits and advice about unhealthy alcohol use). We tested the association between transgender status and alcohol consumption and alcohol-related care using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Approximately 0.6% of respondents (n = 283) self-identified as transgender. Overall, there were no significant differences in alcohol consumption or screening between transgender and nontransgender adults. A greater proportion of transgender than nontransgender adults reported being advised to reduce alcohol use (20.7% vs. 7.8%, p = .012). However, this difference was not significant after adjusting for other sociodemographic characteristics (adjusted odds ratio = 2.31, 95% CI [0.91, 5.86], p = .077).

CONCLUSIONS

In this representative sample from eight U.S. states, we did not find differences related to transgender status in rates of alcohol use or of alcohol-related care.

Transgender Women Living with HIV Frequently Take Antiretroviral Therapy and/or Feminizing Hormone Therapy Differently Than Prescribed Due to Drug-Drug Interaction Concerns

PURPOSE

Both hormone therapy (HT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) can be lifesaving for transgender women (TW) living with HIV, but each has side effects and potential drug-drug interactions (DDI). We assessed how concerns about HT-ART interactions affect treatment adherence.

METHODS

This study used a cross-sectional survey of TW (n = 87) in Los Angeles, CA.

RESULTS

Fifty-four percent were living with HIV; 64% used HT. Only 49% of TW living with HIV discussed ART-HT DDI with their provider; 40% reported not taking ART (12%), HT (12%), or both (16%) as directed due to DDI concerns.

CONCLUSION

Imperfect HT/ART use and limited provider communication suggests a need for improved HT-ART integration.

Behavioral Interventions to Prevent HIV Transmission and Acquisition for Transgender Women: A Critical Review

Worldwide, transgender women are at disproportionately higher risk of HIV infection, with the primary mode of infection being condomless anal intercourse. Although very few HIV prevention interventions have been developed and tested specifically for transgender women, growing evidence suggests that behavioral HIV risk reduction interventions for other marginalized groups are efficacious. We outline the current state of knowledge and areas in need of further development in this area.

Access to Medical and Mental Health Services Across the HIV Care Continuum Among Young Transgender Women: A Qualitative Study

Purpose: (1) To describe psychosocial, medical, and mental health outcomes of young transgender women (YTW) living with or at risk for HIV infection and (2) to explore barriers and facilitators to medical and mental health services across the HIV care continuum.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study of YTW aged 16–24 years who were at risk for contracting or living with HIV. Participants were recruited from an adolescent HIV clinic and local community-based organizations that serve YTW. The single study visit included: a computer-assisted self-interview of demographics, medical and mental health measures, a qualitative semi-structured interview, optional rapid HIV testing for HIV-negative/status-unknown participants, and a chart review to determine rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescription and viral suppression among HIV+ participants. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data, and a modified-grounded theory approach was used for qualitative analysis.

Results: Participants (n=25) had a mean age of 21.2 years; the majority were non-white (76%), had less than a college education (76%), were unemployed (52%), and had an income <$12,000/year (80%). More than one-third were unstably housed (36%) and uninsured (36%), and 28% reported having transactional sex. A majority had taken gender-affirming hormones (72%), but 17% obtained them from a source other than their doctor. Among HIV+ participants (n=8), 50% were prescribed ART and all four participants achieved viral suppression. Qualitative themes included lack of respect for or misunderstanding of gender identity, mismatch of mental health needs with available provider skills, challenges in finding HIV prevention services during adolescence or when transitioning to adult care, and importance of workforce diversity, including representation of transgender women in care teams.

Conclusion: This study identified significant unmet mental health needs and several barriers and facilitators to engaging in healthcare for YTW across the HIV care continuum. Our data suggest an urgent need for provider competency training in gender-affirming care and integration of appropriate mental health and gender-affirming treatment with HIV prevention and treatment services for this population.

Gender Differences in HIV Care among Criminal Justice-Involved Persons: Baseline Data from the CARE+ Corrections Study

Background

HIV-infected individuals recently released from incarceration have suboptimal linkage and engagement in community HIV care. We conducted a study to evaluate an information and communication technology intervention to increase linkage to community care among HIV-infected persons recently involved in the criminal justice (CJ) system. Baseline characteristics including risk behaviors and HIV care indicators are reported and stratified by gender.

Methods

We recruited HIV-infected individuals in the District of Columbia jail and persons with a recent history of incarceration through community and street outreach. Participants completed a baseline computer-assisted personal interview regarding HIV care and antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence, substance use, and sexual behaviors. CD4 and HIV plasma viral load testing were performed at baseline or obtained through medical records. Data were analyzed for the sample overall and stratified by gender.

Results

Of 110 individuals, 70% were community-enrolled, mean age was 40 (SD = 10.5), 85% were Black, and 58% were male, 24% female, and 18% transgender women. Nearly half (47%) had condomless sex in the three months prior to incarceration. Although drug dependence and hazardous alcohol use were highly prevalent overall, transgender women were more likely to have participated in drug treatment than men and women (90%, 61%, and 50% respectively; p = 0.01). Prior to their most recent incarceration, 80% had an HIV provider and 91% had ever taken ART. Among those, only 51% reported ≥90% ART adherence. Fewer women (67%) had received HIV medications during their last incarceration compared to men (96%) and transgender women (95%; p = 0.001). Although neither was statistically significant, transgender women and men had higher proportions of baseline HIV viral suppression compared to women (80%, 69%, and 48.0% respectively, p>0.05); a higher proportion of women had a CD4 count ≤200 compared to men and transgender women (17%, 8% and 5% respectively; p>0.05).

Conclusions

In this study, HIV-infected persons with recent incarceration in Washington, DC reported important risk factors and co-morbidities, yet the majority had access to HIV care and ART prior to, during, and after incarceration. Self-reported ART adherence was sub-optimal, and while there were not statistically significant differences, CJ-involved women appeared to be at greatest risk of poor HIV outcomes.

Trial registration

Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on 10/16/2012. Reference number: NCT01721226.

Transgender women, hormonal therapy and HIV treatment: a comprehensive review of the literature and recommendations for best practices

INTRODUCTION

Studies have shown that transgender women (TGW) are disproportionately affected by HIV, with an estimated HIV prevalence of 19.1% among TGW worldwide. After receiving a diagnosis, HIV-positive TGW have challenges accessing effective HIV treatment, as demonstrated by lower rates of virologic suppression and higher HIV-related mortality. These adverse HIV outcomes have been attributed to the multiple sociocultural and structural barriers that negatively affect their engagement within the HIV care continuum. Guidelines for feminizing hormonal therapy among TGW recommend combinations of oestrogens and androgen blockers. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that certain antiretroviral therapy (ART) agents, such as protease inhibitors (PIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and cobicistat, interact with ethinyl estradiol, the key oestrogen component of oral contraceptives (OCPs). The goal of this article is to provide an overview of hormonal regimens used by TGW, to summarize the known drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between feminizing hormonal regimens and ART, and to provide clinical care recommendations.

METHODS

The authors identified English language articles examining DDIs between oestrogen therapy, androgen blockers and ART published between 1995 and 2015 using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and EBSCOhost.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Published articles predominantly addressed interactions between ethinyl estradiol and NNRTIs and PIs. No studies examined interactions between ART and the types and doses of oestrogens found in feminizing regimens. DDIs that may have the potential to result in loss of virologic suppression included ethinyl estradiol and amprenavir, unboosted fosamprenavir and stavudine. No clinically significant DDIs were noted with other anti-retroviral agents or androgen blockers.

CONCLUSIONS

There are insufficient data to address DDIs between ART and feminizing hormone regimens used by TGW. There is an urgent need for further research in this area, specifically pharmacokinetic studies to study the direction and degree of interactions between oral, injectable and transdermal estradiol and ART. Clinicians need to be vigilant about possible interactions and monitor hormone levels if concerns arise. More research is also needed on the provision of hormone therapy and gender-affirming care on the long-term health outcomes of HIV-positive TGW.

An Intersectional Perspective on Access to HIV-Related Healthcare for Transgender Women

Transgender women experience decreased access to HIV-related healthcare relative to cisgender people, in part due to pervasive transphobia in healthcare. This perspective describes intersectionality as a salient theoretical approach to understanding this disparity, moving beyond transphobia to explore how intersecting systems of oppression, including cisnormativity, sexism/transmisogyny, classism, racism, and HIV-related, gender nonconformity, substance use, and sex work stigma influence HIV-related healthcare access for transgender women living with HIV. This perspective concludes with a discussion of how intersectionality-informed studies can be enhanced through studying underexplored intersections and bringing attention to women's resiliency and empowerment.

Policy Perspective: Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Gender Nonconforming Children and Adolescents

Despite recent notable advances in societal equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, youth who identify as trans* or gender nonconforming, in particular, continue to experience significant challenges accessing the services they need to grow into healthy adults. This policy perspective first offers background information describing this population, their unique healthcare needs, and obstacles when seeking care, including case study examples. The authors then provide recommendations for medical education, health systems, and insurance payers, as well as recommendations for school systems and broader public policy changes to improve the health and well-being of gender nonconforming youth.

Adult development and quality of life of transgender and gender nonconforming people

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Research on the health of transgender and gender nonconforming people has been limited with most of the work focusing on transition-related care and HIV. The present review summarizes research to date on the overall development and quality of life of transgender and gender nonconforming adults, and makes recommendations for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pervasive stigma and discrimination attached to gender nonconformity affect the health of transgender people across the lifespan, particularly when it comes to mental health and well-being. Despite the related challenges, transgender and gender nonconforming people may develop resilience over time. Social support and affirmation of gender identity play herein a critical role. Although there is a growing awareness of diversity in gender identity and expression among this population, a comprehensive understanding of biopsychosocial development beyond the gender binary and beyond transition is lacking.

SUMMARY

Greater visibility of transgender people in society has revealed the need to understand and promote their health and quality of life broadly, including but not limited to gender dysphoria and HIV. This means addressing their needs in context of their families and communities, sexual and reproductive health, and successful aging. Research is needed to better understand what factors are associated with resilience and how it can be effectively promoted.

Barriers to healthcare for transgender individuals

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Transgender persons suffer significant health disparities and may require medical intervention as part of their care. The purpose of this manuscript is to briefly review the literature characterizing barriers to healthcare for transgender individuals and to propose research priorities to understand mechanisms of those barriers and interventions to overcome them.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current research emphasizes sexual minorities' self-report of barriers, rather than using direct methods. The biggest barrier to healthcare reported by transgender individuals is lack of access because of lack of providers who are sufficiently knowledgeable on the topic. Other barriers include: financial barriers, discrimination, lack of cultural competence by providers, health systems barriers, and socioeconomic barriers.

SUMMARY

National research priorities should include rigorous determination of the capacity of the US healthcare system to provide adequate care for transgender individuals. Studies should determine knowledge and biases of the medical workforce across the spectrum of medical training with regard to transgender medical care; adequacy of sufficient providers for the care required, larger social structural barriers, and status of a framework to pay for appropriate care. As well, studies should propose and validate potential solutions to address identified gaps.

Recruiting, Linking, and Retaining High-risk Transgender Women into HIV Prevention and Care Services: An Overview of Barriers, Strategies, and Lessons Learned

Despite disproportionately high HIV prevalence rates and high risk for HIV acquisition and transmission, trans women in the United States are less likely than other high-risk populations to be aware of their HIV status or to perceive HIV infection as a serious health threat. Furthermore, concurrently high rates of unstable housing, few legal employment opportunities, lack of social support, and distrust of social service providers limit trans women's interest or ability to be recruited by, retained within, or linked into HIV prevention and care services. This article provides an overview of the barriers that prevent many high-risk trans women from being recruited, linked, and retained within HIV prevention and care services as well as accessing HIV testing services, and discusses several strategies for overcoming these barriers. Best practices in working with high-risk trans women include hiring trans women indigenous to the local trans communities, designing culturally specific recruitment and retention strategies including the creation of living "community maps" to ensure successful community outreach, the construction of a trans women-specific CAB to create dialogue with community stakeholders including consumers, and extensive cultural sensitivity training for staff and community collaborators to sensitize them to the specific needs of high-risk trans women participants.

HIV Diagnoses and Care Among Transgender Persons and Comparison With Men Who Have Sex With Men: New York City, 2006-2011

OBJECTIVES

We measured HIV care outcomes of transgender persons, who have high HIV infection rates but are rarely distinguished from men who have sex with men (MSM) in HIV surveillance systems.

METHODS

New York City's surveillance registry includes HIV diagnoses since 2000 and HIV laboratory test results for transgender persons since 2005. We determined immunological status at diagnosis, delayed linkage to care, and nonachievement of viral suppression 1 year after diagnosis for transgender persons diagnosed with HIV in 2006 to 2011 and compared transgender women with MSM.

RESULTS

In 2006 to 2011, 264 of 23 805 persons diagnosed with HIV were transgender (1%): 98% transgender women and 2% transgender men. Compared with MSM, transgender women had similar CD4 counts at diagnosis and rates of concurrent HIV/AIDS and delayed linkage to care but increased odds of not achieving suppression (adjusted odds ratio = 1.56; 95% confidence interval = 1.13, 2.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with MSM, transgender women in New York City had similar immunological status at diagnosis but lagged in achieving viral suppression. To provide appropriate assistance along the HIV care continuum, HIV care providers should accurately identify transgender persons.

HIV and gender-based violence: welcome policies and programmes, but is the research keeping up?

The global HIV policy arena has seen a surge of interest in gender-related dimensions of vulnerability to HIV and violence. UNAIDS and other prominent actors have named gender-based violence a key priority, and there seems to be genuine understanding and commitment to addressing gender inequalities as they impact key populations in the AIDS response. In the quest for evidence-informed interventions, there is usually a strong connection between the research conducted and the policies and programmes that follow. Regarding gender, HIV and violence, is this the case? This discussion paper asks whether the relevant peer-reviewed literature is suitably representative of all affected populations--including heterosexual men, transgender men and women, women who have sex with women, and men who have sex with men--as well as whether the literature sufficiently considers gender norms and dynamics in how research is framed. Conclusions about violence in the context of heterosexual relationships, and with specific attention to heterosexual women, should not be presented as insights about gender-based violence more generally, with little attention to gender dynamics. Research framed by a more comprehensive understanding of what is meant by gender-based violence as it relates to all of the diverse populations affected by HIV would potentially guide policies and programmes more effectively.

Behavioral and Health Outcomes for HIV+ Young Transgender Women (YTW) Linked To and Engaged in Medical Care

We describe health and psychosocial outcomes of HIV+ young transgender women (YTW) engaged in care across the United States. When compared to other behaviorally infected youth (BIY), YTW reported higher rates of unemployment (25% vs. 19%), limited educational achievement (42% vs 13%), and suboptimal ART adherence (51% vs. 30%). There was no difference in likelihood of having a detectable viral load (38% vs. 39%) between groups. However, particular isolating psychosocial factors (unstable housing, depression, and lack of social support for attending appointments) increased predicted probability of viral detection to a greater extent among YTW that may have important health implications for this marginalized youth population.

HIV risk and preventive interventions in transgender women sex workers

Worldwide, transgender women who engage in sex work have a disproportionate risk for HIV compared with natal male and female sex workers. We reviewed recent epidemiological research on HIV in transgender women and show that transgender women sex workers (TSW) face unique structural, interpersonal, and individual vulnerabilities that contribute to risk for HIV. Only six studies of evidence-based prevention interventions were identified, none of which focused exclusively on TSW. We developed a deterministic model based on findings related to HIV risks and interventions. The model examines HIV prevention approaches in TSW in two settings (Lima, Peru and San Francisco, CA, USA) to identify which interventions would probably achieve the UN goal of 50% reduction in HIV incidence in 10 years. A combination of interventions that achieves small changes in behaviour and low coverage of biomedical interventions was promising in both settings, suggesting that the expansion of prevention services in TSW would be highly effective. However, this expansion needs appropriate sustainable interventions to tackle the upstream drivers of HIV risk and successfully reach this population. Case studies of six countries show context-specific issues that should inform development and implementation of key interventions across heterogeneous settings. We summarise the evidence and knowledge gaps that affect the HIV epidemic in TSW, and propose a research agenda to improve HIV services and policies for this population.

HIV risk and preventive interventions in transgender women sex workers

Worldwide, transgender women who engage in sex work have a disproportionate risk for HIV compared with natal male and female sex workers. We reviewed recent epidemiological research on HIV in transgender women and show that transgender women sex workers (TSW) face unique structural, interpersonal, and individual vulnerabilities that contribute to risk for HIV. Only six studies of evidence-based prevention interventions were identified, none of which focused exclusively on TSW. We developed a deterministic model based on findings related to HIV risks and interventions. The model examines HIV prevention approaches in TSW in two settings (Lima, Peru and San Francisco, CA, USA) to identify which interventions would probably achieve the UN goal of 50% reduction in HIV incidence in 10 years. A combination of interventions that achieves small changes in behaviour and low coverage of biomedical interventions was promising in both settings, suggesting that the expansion of prevention services in TSW would be highly effective. However, this expansion needs appropriate sustainable interventions to tackle the upstream drivers of HIV risk and successfully reach this population. Case studies of six countries show context-specific issues that should inform development and implementation of key interventions across heterogeneous settings. We summarise the evidence and knowledge gaps that affect the HIV epidemic in TSW, and propose a research agenda to improve HIV services and policies for this population.

Integrating the Study of Transgender Spectrum and Cisgender Experiences of Self-Categorization from a Personality Perspective

We advocate for the integration of transgender spectrum experiences alongside cisgender experiences (i.e., having the same current gender identity label as one's birth-assigned gender category) to provide hitherto unrealized insights within the psychology of gender identity development. Specifically, we propose using personality theory to understand gender self-categorization for both profiles of experience because this perspective allows the structure and stability of self-categorization to be explored in a single, extant framework. Moreover, the dominant model of gender identity development in psychology and qualitative studies within sociology and related fields both suggest that self-categorization may in fact be similar between the 2 profiles. The integration also dispels 2 persistent myths about gender self-categorization: (a) that it is binary and (b) that it is an active psychological process for transgender spectrum, but not cisgender, individuals. Finally, we translate these new theoretical insights into testable research hypotheses within the mainstream of personality research.